Improvement in corn-planters



2 Sheets- Sheet 2.

G. w. BROWN.4

Corn-Planter.

Ptented Apr. 5, l864.

/N VEN ;"0 P.: MN QM fun iintrnn @rares PATENT enten.

GEORGE YV. BROWN, OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN CORN-PLANTERS.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. BaowN, ot Galesburg, in the county of Knox, in the State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Planting Seed; and l do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof.

The accompanying drawings form a part of this speciiication. 'lhe perspective view exhibits the general appearance ot' the machine and positions ot' the operators when it is used to plantin check-rows. Theremaining iigures exhibit the details of the machine.

Figure l represents a longitudinal vertical section of the entire machine on the line S S in Fig. 2, on a scale ot' about two inches to the foot. Fig. 2 is a plan View ot' the entire machine. Fig. 2a represents a side view of one of the spring cut-ots.` It is drawn on a larger scale than Fig. 2. The dark linesindicate the spring cut-ott' when in its usual position pressing upon the upper surt'ace ot' the seed-wheel, and the red outlines indicate the same spring as it may yield by its elasticity when required to prevent crushing the grain. In both these tigures lthe seed-hoppers are represented as with their covers removed. I employ covers of the usual character. Fig. 3 is a cross-section showing the construction of one ot' the adjustable connections, which are adjusted by changing the positions of the bolts so as to widen and narrow the entire machine, including the reciprocating seed-bar H H H2. Fig. 4 is a corresponding section, sho wingthe same connection as it appears after the machine has been adjusted for planting rows nearer together. Fig. 5 is a vertical section through the parts which lie in the base ofthe right seed-hopper, ou a scale about half-size. rlhis section is 011 the line S S in Fig. 6. Fig. b is a plan view, representing some ot' the same parts. In this view the cap shown in Figs. 2 and 5 and the springs which serve as cut-offs for the seed are supposed to have heenremoved. Fig. 7 is a cross-section of the same and also of the main portion ot' the seed-tube on the plane indicated bythe line S S in Fig. G. Fig. 8 is an attempt to represent another relation or condition ot' the parts. lt is a section of two small portions of the same parts on two different lines, to show the mode in which they match together at certain periods. The portion of the fork H is on the line S2 S2 in Fig. 6, and the portion ofthe seed-wheel I is on the line S3 S3 in the same iignre. 'Fig'.

9 is a front view of a portion, showing the controlling-slide NV in the position f'or holding the drill mechanism out ot' use. Fig.. l() is a corresponding view, showing the slide in the position for allowing the drill mechanism to be operated and adjusted. Fig. 1l is a view of the under side ot one of the seed-boxes. lt is a section on the line S S in Fig. l, looking from below upward.

' Similar letters ot'referenceindicate likeparts in all the ligures.

Tints are used to aid in distinguishing parts, and do not indicate the materials intended, which may be wood and iron.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I will proceed to describe it by the aid of the drawings and of the letters ot' reference marked thereon.

A is the right side or the right half of the framing. A2 is the corresponding left halt', and A A, &c., are intermediate portions of the framing which connectthese parts. IThe peculiarity of the construction in connection with the parts A A A2 will be described farther on. rlhe forward portion of the framing, which carries the runners and seed-hoppers, is connected to the main portion of the framing by a joint or axis in the manner described in my patent dated May 8,1855. The holt which forms the axis extends through the seed-boxes, as indicated.

B B2 are the cylindrical drums or supporting-wheels. O C2 are the seed-tubes in the runners, and D D2 are the seed-hoppers. E is a lever adapted to be operated by hand and to communicate the proper motion to the planting mechanism when planting in check-rows. Ali these parts are similar in their general construction and operation to corresponding partsY described in the patent before referred to.

The elevated ways a are rmly supported in the iixed framing in the manner represented.

F is a movable seat, which is supported on a. roller, f, and on which the driver may move himself forward and backward on the ways a with great facility. The seatFis supported in its proper position by the side arms, f', and the rollerfz, which extends across under the longitudinal piece c, and is keptup toits proper position by the slight additional longitudinal piece c.

The several pieces marked A may be made of cast-iron. They inclose the inner ends of rectangular cross-pieces of the framing A' A2 in the manner represented plainly in Figs. l, Z, 3, 4, 9, and l0. The inclosed cross-pieces are provided .with two or more holes, and'by removing the bolts G G2 both the side frames, A A2, with their severalattachments, may be moved bodily inward, or made to approach cach other until a different series of holes in A and A2 coincide with theholes in A and receive the bolts G G2. The transverse reciprocating bar H H H2, which is operated by the handlever 11, is similarly constructed, so that the inner ends of the side pieces, H H2, may be correspondingly moved and secured within thc central part, H. On tightening the nuts on these bolts Gr G2 in their new positions, the entire framing A A A2 and the cross-bar H H H2 are all again made rigid, and the machine is adapted again to operate, but planting in rows nearer together than before. The reverse operation widens the machine andcorrespondingly widens the spaces between the rows. The transverse reciprocating bar H H H2 carries at each end forks, theform of which is indicated in Figs. l, 2, 5, `6, 7, and S. The seedis measured olf and transferred from the seedhoppers into the seed-tubes by means of horizontal wheels 1 12, which are shaped as represented, and are adapted to receive the seed in perforations or seed-cups t" i2, and by the rotation of these wheels to carry the contents of the cups under suitable cut-offs, JJ2, to deliver into the seed-tubes. These wheels 1 12 are operated with a positive motion just far enough and no farther at each movement of the handlever E in either direction. The lever E, being pulled by the operator, turns on its fulcrum e and carries the reciprocating bar H H' H2 to the right. This movement gives a partial rotation to both wheels 1 12. 1t effects this by thrusting theforward arm of the fork H against one of the teeth of the wheel 1, and by pulling the hook or shoulder on the rear arm of the fork H2 against one of the teeth of the wheel with a shoulder or hook, K', corresponding to the before-described hook. The wheels 1 and 12 are by these operations turned equally at each movement of the lever E.

The form given to the teeth or projections on the seed-wheels 1 l2 and to the parts of the forks H H2 which come in contact therewith 'is very important and requires a very particular explanation. When the movement of the bar H H H2 in either direction is effected rapidly, the inertia of the wheels 1 12 tends to continue their motion and throw them too far around and cause the wheels to collie to rest in a false position. I avoid this evil by causing certain obtuse angles or slight projections on the wheels I 12 to strike at the proper time and rest fairly against the inner faces of the forks H H2. Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8 indicate the exactv forms ot' these parts half-size.

The wheels 1 12 are about a half-inch in thickness at the periphery. The upper half of this thickness is differently formed at the periphery from the corresponding partof the lower half and performs a different function. The lower half presents angles in this part, which are designated L. The corresponding points on the upper halt" are rounded and are distinguished by the letter l. The form of the inner faces of the arms of the forks H H2 is also important. At the points on the inner surfaces ot' the forks H H2 which at the end of each of the suddcuinovements lie opposite to the slight projections or obtuse angles L, the fork has a perpendicular face extending its full depth; but when the succeeding or return movement of the bar H H H2 has progressed a little way a recess, h, which is formed, as represented, on each inner face of the forks H H2, is presented to the corresponding angle L, and the angle enters it, thus allowing the wheel to turn freely again in obedience to the impulse which it then commences to receive from the other arm of the fork, and thus the operation proceeds with certainty and precision.

1) P2 are castings which serve as covering plates or caps for my seed-wheels 1l 12. The openings therein to present the seed to the seed-wheels extend around nearly the entire working-surfaces of the latter. There is a broad projection extending over that part of the wheel where the seed is delivered to the seed-tubes, and p p2 are slender arms or agitators east upon the caps andstanding in the positions represented. Each entire cap, with the several projections referred to and the attached cut-off' J or J2, is removable on turning the corresponding wedge-shaped button, d or d2, and raising the cap on that side so as to draw it outin the obvious manner. The office of my cut-offs J J2 is to form a yielding or elastic bar to separate the seed in the seedcups from their companions as the revolutions ofthe seed-wheels present them thereto. I employ elastic plates of meta-l for the purpose. There are four seed-cups which are to be thus treated at the same time in each seedwheel, `and 1 provide four corresponding springs or cut-offs, arranged as represented by J', Snc., J2, Ste.

The seed-tubes C G2 are formed in the widened rear ends of the runners. M is a fixed partition standing therein in the position represented, and the vibrating valve or ipperN is correspondingly divided to adapt itself thereto. The upper extremity of each iiipper is aamw 3 urged iii-opposite directions bythe projections l and 2 on the rear arm of the corresponding forked part at each half-movement or change of position of the bar H H H2 from one extreme position to the o ther, and'performs the same duties as in my former patent above referred to. The fixed partition IVI is iliade of sheet metal, as represented,.and is thin at its upper edge. Each is so placed as to receive the seed trom some ofthe seed-cups t" 2 on its front side and the seed from others on its rear side. They increase in thickness below, so as to separate the seed in front a considerable distance from the seed in the rear of the partition. Aeontinuatioinm, of the partition below the pivot a is matched into the fixed part M, and is narrowed inthe transversedirection 'at the base, as represented in Fig.7. Itis fixed I thus on and vibrates with the flipper N. avoid dividing the latter at the bottom. The l'wo quantities of seed may be separated by this means to any distance desired within reasonable limits by using verycapacious seedtubes and modifying the form of the lower parts ofthe partitions, as will be obvious to mechanics. I prefer to divide it about two inches, as indicated in the drawings.

Z Z, etc., are slides, which may be readily adjusted by the attendant. They are adapted each to cover aI portion of the top of its respective seed-tube and to prevent the dropping of any seed from one corresponding seed-cup 1l if". It will be observed that these slides coincide in position with the four seed-cups which deliver at the same time, and in practice I have found that with the proportions and arrangement indicated but one grain of corn'is ordinarily carried in each seed-cup. The four seedcups in each wheel which deliver simultaneously are all arranged in radial series. The several slides Z are adapted to close three in each .series and prevent the seed therein from dropping out. I provide a narrower slide, z, adapted to but partially cover the remaining cup in each series, and I provide a transverse slide, O, adapted to lock either or all'the slides in either the open or shut position, as desired. It effects this by standing in contact with knobs or projections on the under side of the latter, as represented. slides I plant four grains of corn in each hill. It' I slide in one ot' the slides Z, I plant but three grains in' each hill. The drawings represents all the slides forced in, and my machine may by such means be adjusted to plant no corn at all. The narrow slide,a, is sufficiently wide to stop a grain of corn, and either of the slides may be opened or closed with equal effect in planting corn.

It is sometimes desirable to plantA seeds which are considerably smaller than corn. In such'case one of my small seed-cups alone may contain a sufficient quantity, in which case I close the three slides Z Z Z and leave one, z, open. In some cases-as, for example, in plan ting broom-corn, sorghum, &c.even one entire By drawing out all the seed-cup may contain too large a quantity of such seed, and it is desirable to be able to retain a part ofthe contents of a cup :and deliver into the seed-tube the remainder. I accomplish this by the aid ot my narrow slide @which is only wide enough to close about two-thirds of the corresponding seed-cup. By pushing in or closingV all the slides I plant at each motion of the bar H only about half of the contents of the seed-cup, which is partially covered by the narrow slide z. This accomplishes the end very satisfactorily.

I can, if desired, make the slide a longer and capable of more motion and of several adjustments. and make the same of several ditt'erent widths at different points, or ot' a uniformlytapered form from one end to the other. I can then, by adjusting the slide, graduate the opening for the passage ot'. small seeds past such' slide, so as to plant more or less at pleasure; but I do not in practice consider it necessary to do so.

I will now describe the parts by which Ioperate these wheels automatically and very rapidly when planting in drills.

The distance apart at which the seed may be deposited in the rows or drills bythe aid of my invention may be determined with great accuracy, and a variety ot' distances may be selected. I usually construct the machine so that the seed may be dropped at either of the following distances apart: eight and one-half inches, fourteen inches, twenty-one inches, and

forty-two inches. The variations in the dis- `tances are produced by varying the number of pins which are arranged in a circular series on the inner face ot' the wheel B.

T are the pins referred to. They are firmly set by screwing them tightly in corresponding holes in a stout metal ring.

These holes are distributed so that on reducing the number-ot Apins the remainder may be equally distributed.

around the entire circle.

U is a yoke or slide adapted to reciprocate forward and backward, according as its iuclined faces u are alternately acted on by the pins T. Anti-frietion wheels are provided to aid in reducing` the resistance to its motion.

V is a bell-crank lever, mounted on a tixed fulcrnm, o, and adapted to reciprocate in the horizontal plane, according as the yoke U is operated. The long arm of this lever extends forward and is adapted to be connected at pleasure to the seeding' apparatus by dropping its extremity into a slot in the part H. In this condition the machine is driven forward, and the action ofthe pins T induces a vibrating motion ot' the bell-crank lever V, and consequently a succession ot' reciprocations of the seeding devices and corresponding movements of the seed-wheels IIZ. It will ofcourse be observed that if a sutlicient quantity of seed is dropped in this manner at proper distances apart the etfect will be very nearly equivalent to the planting by hand. The difference is that in this drilling or automatic planting last dething.

scribed the hills are not arranged in check-ro ws,

and the corn cannot subsequently be cultivated by cross-plowing; but by disconnecting these parts and operating by the hand-lever E, instead ot' by my drilling mechanism, the hills may be checkrowed very accurately.

When planting by the aid ofthe hand-lever E it is well not only to disconnect the lever V by lifting its forward Aextremity out of the slot H, but also to prevent the lever V from vibrating at all. I accomplish this by the aid of the slide or slidinglever W. This latter is slotted to receive the lever V, and is adapted. to tuin slightly as it slides upon the bolt w, which latter is fixed in the frame-work. On leaving this sliding lever W at liberty it assumes a position in which it becomes ot' no effect; but on drawing it forcibly Ato the right and thrusting its right extremity under the stop or hook in', which is xed on the framing, it holds the lever V in such a position that its inclined faces fu, u are carried too far forward to be touched, and the pins T traverse freely around without coming in contact with anyrlhis is the condition represented in Figs'. l and 2.

X' X2 are scrapers mounted on eyes m, so that Ithey are free to turn.

Y Y2 are levers connected therewith in the manner represented and tree to turn on the Iixed tulcra y. Ihe forward ends of these levers are within reach of the operator, and by placing his foot on either or on both at once the corresponding scrapers may be pressed with sufiicient force against the peripheries of their respective wheels. 0n removing the foot the gravity of the parts induces a removal of the scrapers to a little distance, as represented. The levers Y Y2 may be dispensed with, if de. sired, by extending the arms X* Xii* back ward instead of forward from the elves x, and applying the foot or other force directly thereto; -but l prefer the arrangement shown.

[t will be observed that, while my parts A embrace and completely encircle the inner ends of the transverse pieces A A2, it is not essential to the tightness ofthe fitting together of the parts that A A2 shall be exactly equal in size to theinterior of the casting A, because the nuts and washers which are ijtted on the bolts G' G2Vdo not bear against the cross parts of the box-casting A, but are let up into large cavities therein, so as to bear directly against the wood A A2a`nd hohl the whole very firmly. It will be perceived that by duplicating the partitions M m a separate seed -passage or seed-tube maybe provided from each ot' the seed-cups which deliver simultaneously, so that the contents of each may thereby be separated with certainty and to a fixed distance each from the other. Pawls or springs may be used on the inner faces of the forks El H2, if preferred, in addition to the devices shown, in order to render the action of the same on-the teeth of F12 more certain; but l have not found such necessary in practice.

Some of the advantages due to certain features ofmy invention may be separately en umerated as follows:

First, by reason of my employment of the duplicate springs or cnt-offs J J2, in combination with my corresponding duplicate seedcups, I am able to divide from the rest the seed which is intended to be carried to the seed-tubes in each seed-cup with greater perfection. v

Second, by reason of my fixed agitators p p2 extentling across the working-face of the seed-wheel at a little elevation above the surface, as described, l am able to insure that each seed-cup i 2 contains a single grain of corn, and that no other grain is entirely or partially -within the same cup.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new therein, and desire to secure by this patent, is as follows:

l. ln combination with the above-described duplicate seedcups t" t2, the duplicate spring cut-offs J J2, arranged substantially as represented, and for the purpose herein specified.

2. The fixed agitators p' p2, arranged to act in combination with the duplicate seed-cups t" t2, substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein set forth.

In testimony whereot'I have hereunto set my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses. 4

GEO. W. BROWN. Witnesses:

S. G. UUMMINGS, THOMAS D. StrElsoN. 

